Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Reveals New Samus Suit with Nods to Metroid Dread Concept Art

During the highly anticipated Nintendo Direct on March 28, 2025, Nintendo offered fans an exciting new look at Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, the latest entry in the critically acclaimed Metroid series.

As the centerpiece of the reveal, a striking new suit for franchise icon Samus Aran made its debut, prompting close analysis from fans and industry observers.

Developed by Retro Studios for Nintendo Switch, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is scheduled to launch later this year and has quickly become one of the most discussed titles in the upcoming Nintendo Switch lineup. The reveal trailer concluded with a tantalizing glimpse of Samus’ fresh suit, a design that initially appeared to break new ground for the series.

However, upon closer inspection, sharp-eyed viewers noted several design similarities to unused concept art from Metroid Dread, the 2021 release developed by MercurySteam.

Notably, elements such as the distinct helmet shape, the rounded but compact shoulder pads, and a trio of lights centered on Samus’ chest draw clear parallels to a scrapped suit design conceptualized for Metroid Dread. The helmet in particular stands out.

Unlike previous iterations, it now features an additional 'eye' positioned above the main visor—an element believed to be related to Samus’ new psychic abilities introduced in Beyond.

This detail hints at a purposeful design direction from Retro Studios rather than a cosmetic adjustment, weaving deeper gameplay and narrative possibilities into the visual evolution of Samus Aran. While the similarities are striking, it is worth emphasizing that the Metroid Dread suit in question remained on the cutting room floor and did not appear in the final version of MercurySteam’s game.

According to industry analysis, these shared design traits are likely coincidental, resulting from repeated exploration of visual motifs within the franchise rather than a direct narrative link.

Nonetheless, the design connection has generated considerable buzz within the Metroid fan community, fueling speculation and anticipation ahead of Metroid Prime 4: Beyond’s official launch. The upcoming title has been in development at Retro Studios, renowned for its work on the previous Metroid Prime trilogy.

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond continues the tradition of innovative first-person action exploration, pushing the technical and narrative boundaries of the Nintendo Switch as the platform approaches its next-generation successor, Switch 2.

During the same Nintendo Direct, Nintendo also outlined the new Virtual Game Card program, which will encompass both Switch and Switch 2, as well as providing dates for the next showcase event slated for April 2. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond promises to deliver fresh gameplay and deeper lore, reinforcing Samus Aran’s legacy while incorporating nods to the franchise’s development history.

As new details emerge, fans and industry professionals alike await further information on the connection between the tantalizing new suit and Metroid’s storied past.

The launch of Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is poised to be a defining moment for Nintendo Switch and the beloved Metroid series.

Metroid Samus Metroid Prime Metroid Dread Nintendo Metroid Prime 4 Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Samus Aran Nintendo Direct